Unlike what some might say, building a beer system isn't as simple as asking a few questions. It's not as easy as 1-2-3. At the same time, it's not rocket science, either. So what makes a good beer system? It's components. Each beer dispensing system is different. No matter where you live, how hot the weather, the distance the beer will travel, the types of beer being served - no two beer systems are alike.

Somewhere in your bar you might have a glass rinser. If you don't have one, maybe you've considered one. They're becoming more and more popular as customers continue to demand high-quality beers served right. In fact, some bars are even encountering health code violations when they retrofit their existing bars to include beer glass rinsers.

Maybe a bar operator wants to include storage in the underbar area where it will be in line with 30-inch high equipment or work surfaces. Maybe an owner is retrofitting an existing underbar because adding bottled ciders to the beverage list requires more refrigeration capabilities in a limited space. Maybe a designer wants to use low height cabinets during the planning and designing phase of a new bar. Now this is all possible with low-height back bar refrigeration and storage from Perlick.

The Perlick factory just outside of Milwaukee can be a large and overwhelming place. But if you know what to look for, it can also be an eye opening place that sheds light on the whole Perlick philosophy. One of the easiest ways to learn about Perlick is to go behind-the-scenes. Quality and innovation are the names of the game.

When it comes to back bar and underbar refrigeration, options mean everything. From color to door design to temperature control, finding the right bar refrigeration unit can increase bar efficiencies, allow for more accurate beverage storage, and ultimately increase the productivity and profitability of the bar. Essentially, your bar refrigeration needs to "fit."

It's almost St. Patrick's Day, a time of the year when we celebrate our collective Irish heritage and drink the world's favorite nitro-style beer. But what is nitro beer, and what's the trick to serving nitro beers? Technically, nitro beers only contain about 70 to 75 percent nitrogen. A "Beer Gas" or Aligal or Guinness Gas is blended with three quarters nitrogen and one quarter carbon dioxide to make the beer – most often a stout – into a smoother and creamier product.

Looking to build a profitable beer dispensing system? We know what you need, and we know profit is the bottom line. That’s why our engineers have poured over our systems to ensure they run as efficiently as possible. Our systems reduce waste to make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck when you choose a Perlick Beer System.

* The following Art of Bar Design Q&A article with Greg Rodd, Sales Engineer Manager with Perlick, first appeared in the February edition of Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine. What makes for good bar design? The bar is a profit center. A well designed, efficient bar has the right equipment arranged to minimize bartender movement, which equals more drinks per hour and translates to higher profits.